Safe Use of Chemicals in Laboratories at Middlebury College

It is the policy of Middlebury College to provide a safe and healthy workplace in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, and to maintain its laboratory facilities, practices, and procedures in accordance with current knowledge regarding laboratory safety. The Middlebury College Chemical Hygiene Plan for McCardell Bicentennial Hall has been developed in accordance with federal and state regulations, and applies to all laboratories that use, store, or handle potentially hazardous chemicals and to all personnel who work in these facilities.

The Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) establishes safety procedures and rules for handling chemicals in the laboratory, including guidance and requirements for the use of laboratory equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, laboratory coats, safety eyewear, and respirators. The CHP also establishes safe work practices, known as standard operating procedures (SOPs), for the use of hazardous chemicals in laboratories. Chemicals that are identified as "particularly hazardous substances," including select carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and chemicals with a high degree of acute toxicity, will often need especially stringent procedures and designated work areas.

It is the responsibility of all faculty, staff, and students who work in a McCardell Bicentennial Hall laboratory environment to know and to follow the provisions of this CHP. All operations performed in the laboratory must be planned and executed in accordance with the included procedures. In addition, Middlebury College expects each employee and student to develop safe personal chemical hygiene practices and habits aimed at the reduction of chemical exposures to themselves and their coworkers.

This Chemical Hygiene Plan applies only to trained laboratory employees and students. Custodial, maintenance, and other personnel who enter the laboratory only on an incidental basis are covered by Middlebury College’s standard Hazard Communication Program, a copy of which is on file in the Human Resources office.

This Plan will be reviewed, evaluated, and updated at least annually. The current plan revision was implemented on November 15, 2016.